Sarlat-la-Canéda and its caves: a van road trip through the heart of the Périgord Noir

Discover Sarlat and its underground treasures, from medieval towns to breathtaking caves, perfect for a van or motorhome road trip.

Welcome to Sarlat-la-Canéda, the jewel of the Périgord Noir where history and nature intertwine. Between the cobbled streets of the old town and the mysterious caves nearby, your van will take you on a journey through stunning landscapes and UNESCO-listed sites. Ready for adventure?

Old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda

Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Sarlat, with its half-timbered houses and lively squares. A must-visit to experience the soul of the Périgord.

Where to sleep nearby

Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free from 7pm to 9am, 2 minutes from old Sarlat. Flat ground, max height 2.20m, water available. › Bookable motorhome area Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded pitch 10 minutes from the centre, warm welcome. Rating 4.7, 379 reviews. › Camping les Acacias/ Sarlat Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite 4km away, spa pool. Free shuttle or cycle path to Sarlat. › Crouzet parking Beynac-et-Cazenac Parking ★ 3.7 Reserved motorhome parking 8km away, €8 per night. Toilets and bins on site. › Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 Artisan walnut grove 2km away, flat parking for 10 motorhomes. Free guided tour included. ›

Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, Sarlat

Admire this 12th-century cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, at the heart of the historic town. Its imposing bell tower dominates the skyline.

Where to sleep nearby

D47, Sainte-Nathalène Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private aire 6km from Sarlat, all services included for €12. Lush countryside and absolute peace. › Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 Artisan walnut grove 2km from the centre, free guided tour. Flat parking for 10 motorhomes. › Bookable motorhome area Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Rustic parking 10 minutes' walk from the centre. Warm welcome, shaded pitch. › Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking 7pm-9am, 6 minutes' walk from old Sarlat. Flat, limited to 2.20m. › La Croix Rouge, Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free parking at Carrefour Market, 21 minutes' walk from the centre. Toilets and shops nearby. ›

Lascaux Cave

Discover the replica of the famous prehistoric cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its 17,000-year-old cave paintings will leave you speechless.

Where to sleep nearby

Parc de Loisirs Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Ultra-clean private aire 900m from the village. Full services for €10 per night, 24-minute walk. › Village parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.6 Large free, flat parking with 24-hour toilets. Local grocery nearby, 5-minute drive. › Camping Castillonderie Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite with shaded heated pool. Vézère Valley, 5-minute drive. › Quiet clearing parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.1 Isolated forest clearing, flat and grassy pitch. Absolute peace, 38-minute walk. › Aire de Camping Car Municipale Montignac Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Municipal aire with 30 pitches, services included. Close to historic centre, 20-minute walk. ›

Rouffignac Cave

Hop aboard a small train to explore this cave adorned with prehistoric animal drawings. A unique and immersive experience.

Where to sleep nearby

Rouffignac caves parking Parking ★ 4.1 0 minutes from the cave, forest parking in a cul-de-sac. Seasonal water and toilets, absolute peace. › D706, Tursac Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free aire by the Vézère, 20 grassy pitches. Natural setting and peace, easy access. › Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 3-star family campsite, pool, preserved nature. 6-minute drive, warm welcome. › Camping EAU Naturelle Campsite ★ 4.9 2-star campsite between Montignac and Sarlat, stream and natural pool. 7-minute drive, shaded setting. › Camping Vezere Campsite ★ 4.7 Forest campsite in Tursac, heated pool and slides. 6-minute drive, new sanitary facilities. ›

Castelnaud Castle

Visit this medieval castle perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views over the Dordogne. Its Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages is fascinating.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 4 minutes' walk from the castle, shaded and quiet in a dead end. Free, ideal for a discreet night. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite, pool and valley views. 6km away, preserved nature and warm welcome. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 Banks of the Dordogne, direct access to La Roque-Gageac. Spacious pitches, recent sanitary facilities. › Theatre parking in the woods Carves Parking ★ 4.2 Quiet forest 7km away, discreet gravel pitch. Free, guaranteed peaceful night. › Slow Village Saint-Cybranet Campsite ★ 4.8 37 minutes' walk, 3 pools and river access. Wooded campsite, guinguette atmosphere. ›

Padirac Chasm

Explore this exceptional natural site, with its caves and underground river. An adventure by boat and on foot to discover unique landscapes.

Where to sleep nearby

Le Ventoulou Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star campsite in the Dordogne Valley, shaded pitches. 5-minute drive (4km), rating 4.6. › Lakeside restaurant parking Miers Parking ★ 4.4 Mountain lake in Quercy, 5-6 pitches by the water. 5-minute drive (5km), free. › Camping-Car Park Tauriac Motorhome area ★ 4.1 Camping-Car Park aire, large shaded pitches on slabs. €16 per night, 6-minute drive (6km). › La Ferme De Borie Campsite ★ 4.7 Working farm, free grassy parking with shop visit. 26-minute walk, rating 4.7. › Free sloped parking Padirac Parking ★ 4.3 Free sloped parking near the chasm, network coverage. 1-minute walk, rating 4.3. ›

See all spots on the map